Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z

determinationSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Determination” MV

This is a powerful cheer song themed around life choices and moving forward, with SUPER BEAVER’s signature straightforward message and solid rock sound that really lifts your spirits.

Released digitally in November 2023, the track was also featured in a commercial for Morinaga’s “in Jelly Energy Glucose.” The lyrics, which assert that you are the one who decides your future, are sure to give courage to anyone worried about what lies ahead.

Its driving rock ensemble feels like a tailwind—a powerful rock tune that propels you forward.

It’s a moving song that resonates deeply and gives a push to people standing at life’s crossroads, such as students preparing for entrance exams.

cotton candyback number

back number – Watagashi (full)

The three-piece rock band back number captivates fans with poignant lyrics that vividly paint scenes and an emotional vocal style.

Their melodies brim with a summery, humid melancholy that leaves a strong impression.

The timidity that keeps one from taking a first step and the tendency to spin out fantasies are feelings many men, in particular, will relate to.

Released in July 2012, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the music show COUNT DOWN TV and reached No.

14 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Actress Mizuki Yamamoto appears on both the cover and in the music video.

It’s a perfect number for a summer moment—one whose sentimental story inevitably mirrors your own feelings.

Youth SicknessFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Seishun Sick (Official Video)

Fujii Kaze’s song delicately depicts the fragility and inner struggles of youth.

The lyrics reflect a longing for the ephemeral and the complex feelings about the end of one’s adolescence.

It was first performed at his solo concert at Nippon Budokan on October 29, 2020, and released the following day, October 30, as a digital-only single.

Classified as Funk/Soul and J-POP, the song celebrates the importance of embracing the fleeting nature of youth.

By sensitively portraying the emotions of young people, this work offers a warm message to those who look back on the past while living in the present.

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

Hump Back is a three-piece girls’ band that plays message-driven rock, expressing everyday joys and sorrows with down-to-earth lyrics.

Their first single, released in June 2018 as their major-label debut, was featured as the ending theme of the TV music program “Buzz Rhythm 02.” The lyrics by Momoko Hayashi, said to be inspired by notes she left during her teenage years, serve as an anthem for young people who struggle and wrestle with their dreams and hopes.

The song’s message tells listeners that it’s okay to take the long way around, because there’s value in the journey itself—something many students who live their days earnestly will likely relate to.

With its straightforward rock ensemble, it’s also a powerful number well-suited for live stage performances.

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyon is a singer-songwriter whose nostalgic acoustic sound has won support from a wide range of listeners.

This is her major-label third single, released in August 2017—a youthful love song that expresses feelings for a crush who doesn’t listen to rock music.

Its refreshing melody is striking, making it a perfect choice for band performances at school or cultural festivals.

The storytelling lyrics that evoke young love are sure to resonate with many listeners.

With a gentle voice and delicate sound that linger in your ears, it’s also a great number to use as background music.

Teenager ForeverKing Gnu

King Gnu – Teenager Forever

King Gnu is a four-piece rock band that continues to lead the J-pop scene with songs born from each member’s exceptional performance skills and diverse musical backgrounds.

Featured on the album “CEREMONY,” this track was also used in a commercial for Sony’s wireless headphones/Walkman.

Released in January 2020, the song portrays the feelings of struggling with the gap between ideals and reality experienced in one’s teens, while wishing to become closer to the self one once dreamed of.

It’s a must-listen for members of Gen Z who spent their youth in that era.

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

A signature song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that powerfully sings of summer youth.

It drew attention as a cheer song for high school baseball and resonated with many people.

The track celebrates the courage to face hardships and the bonds between friends, featuring a catchy melody and a heartwarming message.

Released as a single in August 2010, it also garnered attention for featuring professional baseball player Masahiro Tanaka in its music video.

Highly recommended for those striving toward their dreams or aiming to accomplish something together with friends.

A powerful pop tune that gives you courage every time you listen.